What we learned vs. MSU

Big Ten's No. 1

U-M will enter its bye week as the only team in the Big Ten without a conference loss, which means the Wolverines are in sole possession of first place in the Big Ten East with four games to go. Ohio State's collapse at Purdue gives the Wolverines a game in hand with games vs. Penn State, at Rutgers and vs. Indiana ahead before Michigan closes the regular season at Ohio State on Nov. 24. There's still work to do, of course, but U-M is in a great spot.

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With Michigan's definitive win over Michigan State, and Ohio State falling to Purdue, there's some shakeup in the top five of the Free Press' college football top 25 rankings. Is Michigan in the top four? Receiving votes this week is Purdue. Dropping out is Michigan State, Mississippi State and Cincinnati. Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press

OL push

Michigan's offensive line has answered every challenge since its rough start to open the year at Notre Dame. The Wolverines ran for more than 300 yards against Wisconsin. And on Saturday, Michigan racked up 183 on the ground against a MSU group that entered the game with the country's top-ranked rush defense. Once a question mark for this team, U-M's offensive line now looks like an answer. Both in pass protection on the ground, the Wolverines are getting it done up front with November on the horizon.

Defensive groove

Don Brown's defenses have turned in some serious performances during his three years at Michigan. But as far as big stages are concerned, that was probably the best its been for the Wolverines' under their current defensive coordinator. U-M held MSU to a ridiculous 0 of 12 mark on third down, MSU starter Brian Lewerke went 5 of 25 passing, the Spartans had 15 rushing yards and just 94 overall. Dominant in every area on the road, in a rivalry. Michigan's defense sparkled Saturday.

Next up: Nittany Lions

Three things to watch on bye

Health report

Michigan played its third straight game without defensive end Rashan Gary on Saturday. The Wolverines didn't miss his production, as MSU picked up less than 100 yards on the afternoon. Still, the question remains: How bad is Gary's shoulder injury and what's this situation look like moving forward? U-M has a bye week before Penn State on Nov. 3. Tarik Black was in uniform for the first time this year and appeared ready if needed. Juwann Bushell-Beatty left the field late in the game but reportedly claimed it wasn't serious. Gary is the biggest injury question mark.

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh high-fives players and coaches at the end of the tunnel after the 21-7 win over Michigan State on Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press

Michigan's Donovan Peoples-Jones catches a pass against Michigan State's Tre Person that went for a 79-yard go-ahead TD in the third quarter at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press

Michigan State cornerback Shakur Brown fumbles the ball on a punt return during the second half against Michigan at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press

Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes celebrates a play against Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson during the second half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press

Michigan defensive lineman Chase Winovich prepares to rush the line during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State , Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in East Lansing, Mich. Carlos Osorio, AP

Michigan secondary/special team coach Michael Zordich, center, reacts to a play against Michigan State during the second half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press

Former Michigan State defensive lineman and current Oakland Raider Shilique Calhoun is introduced during the first half on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, at Spartan Stadium. Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press

Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio watches his team warm up before action against Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich. Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press

Ray Kopja of Howell, left, and Mike Diggs of Detroit, pose for a photo outside of the Spartan Stadium in East Lansing before the Michigan State game on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press

Keante Pendleton, right, shakes hands with his brother, Michigan State defensive tackle Raequan Williams, outside of the Spartan Stadium in East Lansing before the Michigan game on Sat., October 20, 2018. Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press

Penn State snapped a two-game home losing streak with a relatively uncomfortable five-point win at Indiana on Saturday. The Wolverines will host the Nittany Lions for the third stop on their "revenge tour." This is not the same Penn State team that blew Michigan off the field last fall. Saquon Barkley is a New York Giant now and Indiana put up more than 500 yards against this defense on Saturday.

Confidence

Michigan could not have drawn up a better situation for its bye after a Week 1 loss at Notre Dame. The Wolverines have ripped off seven straight wins, the overall health of the team is improving and a rivalry win at MSU has been secured. U-M is in the Big Ten driver's seat with November around the corner. It's been a long time since this program's been able to say that. But this is reality now. And, for Michigan, that's a good thing.